9 wedding dresses that reinvent classic traditions

There are two types of wedding dresses that are memorable—those that reinvent classic traditions and others that are strikingly unique. If we look at the former, it so happens that there are many classic dress features that are always look great in a wedding dress. When these features are incorporated beautifully, the dress becomes unusually appealing and attractive.

Many designer wedding gown collections today feature dresses with unusual twists on all-time favorite features. Here, we shall look at 10 such design details in some fantastic wedding gowns that blend tradition with modernity, to look both attractive and beautiful.

1.Deep V-neckline

Powerfully sexy and very bold, the deep V-neckline is a universally flattering feature that looks great on brides of most body types. Since this design feature is usually found on gowns with straps or sleeves, it supports the bust area and thus looks very attractive. Another advantage of the V-neckline is that it is naturally slimming and is capable of creating the illusion of a longer upper body.

In the Mori Lee gown featured here, the V-neckline is accentuated with embellishments along its length. This makes the neckline very prominent and draws attention to the decolletage and cleavage. The sleeveless design also allows the bride to show off her arms. The fit and flare design of the gown is another element that creates the illusion of extra height.

2.Off-the-shoulder straps

There is something seductive and extremely attractive about a wedding gown with straps that seem to fall off the shoulder. These gowns have an old-fashioned Hollywood appeal and are extremely sexy, without being in-the-face flashy. It is in fact, more attractive than a regular strapless dress as it looks very feminine despite exposing the shoulder. This feature on a dress draws attention to the neck, decolletage and shoulders. So, it is a perfect choice for brides who have a well-toned upper body.

In the Jasmine bridal dress featured here, the off-the-shoulder neckline is sultry and appealing. The simple embellishment of crystals at the corner of the bodice where the straps begin is extremely attractive. This is a definite winner if the bride is a slim beauty who would like to show off her neck, shoulders and decolletage. We also love how the dress seamlessly drapes along the bust, waist and hips, and later flows into a slight fit and flare skirt that cascades to the ground.

3.Embellished sleeves

Long-sleeved gowns were popularly loved in the past, with elaborate puffy shoulders and sequins adorning the sleeves. Though padded shoulders and puffed sleeves may not find favor with the modern bride, the entire idea of long-sleeved wedding gowns isn’t quickly forgotten.

Here is a Mori Lee gown with full-sleeves. The beauty of this dress lies in the fact that the sleeves are not your regular state-of-the-art plain sleeves, but are embellished with lace details throughout the length to look very interesting and appealing. With floral appliques spanning the outer edge of the sleeves, the sheer fabric over the rest of the sleeve length creates a beautiful look with skin barely peeping out from within. The dress is a masterpiece in itself, with the soft sweetheart neckline and beautiful floral appliques adding extra charm to the lace dress.

4.Lace

Lace is a timeless and elegant classic wedding dress feature where weddings are concerned. There are few other wedding dress features that are as attractive as lace. The expression of thick and breezy elements that spiral and float in floral designs throughout the length of a dress is very attractive and it is no wonder that it is favored by many brides. Modern designers have honed the exquisite beauty of lace dresses, by adding more features that accentuate the beauty of the floral designs. By including embellishments like crystals, rhinestones and beads and crafting them into illusion neckline designs, lace is given new life so it looks updated and modern.

In this dreamy Sophia Tolli wedding dress, elaborate lace work has been played to perfection in every section. The sheer neckline over the sweetheart bodice is exquisite as it blends into classic cap-sleeves. At the waist is a scintillating chevron band formed of rhinestones and crystal, and this adds a modern touch to a classic element like lace. The fit and flare silhouette gracefully glides into a scalloped hemline, where the lace details are further embodied with perfection. This is a glamorous gown, but one that is a striking symbol of classic beauty.

5.Sheath silhouette

After the Victorian era of tight corsets that sucked in a woman’s body to fit the look of a perfect hourglass figure, women started embracing their natural curves and accepted loose fitting garments with open arms. The wedding scene was no different, as more and more brides boldly began dressing for their big day in gowns with fluid wedding gowns in sheath silhouettes. These dresses would softly fall over their natural curves and emphasize their natural body shape to perfection. It was an expression of confidence and sensuality, and has continued to be favored by several wedding designers ever since.

The Elsa from the Alfred Angelo Disney collection is inspired by the snow princess in the movie Frozen. Featuring a sheath silhouette embellished with a scattering of snowflake beads, this gown is an elegant and powerful dress that will do wonders for the bride wearing it. The simplicity of the sweetheart neckline contrasts well with the Watteau train that beautifully glides behind like a rippling stream of water. This is a fairy-tale gown that looks like what you could seen in a dream, and any woman who grew up loving storybook princesses would love to embrace the classic silhouette that magnifies her femininity.

6.Empire Waistline

The empire waistline is a raised waistline style that began as part of Neoclassical fashion. This style goes back to the 18th century when it was first seen during the time of the First French Empire. The elevated waistline usually has a circumference that snugly goes around the bust region. It is a flattering style for those who have unsightly curves in the waist and stomach area. Since this pattern camouflages these areas, it hides a bulky waistline while highlighting the bust. The empire silhouette is greatly favored by modern day brides, and is clubbed with several modern elements to fashion a stylish and contemporary look.

This gown from the petite brides collection at Best for Bride features an empire waistline attached to a fit and flare silhouette. This gives a new look to the gown, as the traditional empire waistline was usually attached to a layered skirt that flared out from the bosom. Here, this modern fit gown simply makes use of the empire waistline style by highlighting the elevated waistline with a bow that runs around the circumference of the gown at the bust. This particular feature gives the skirt the illusion of added length, thus making the bride look taller than she actually is. This is one benefit of a design like this.

7.Cap sleeves

Cap sleeves are not only a welcome change from the ever-so-common strapless wedding gown style, there are also very feminine in their appeal. This is a style that is very forgiving for women who wish to hide their shoulders and those who seek a modest look and style with their wedding dress choice. While it offers the necessary coverage, this classic dress style element also gives you the opportunity to flaunt the rest of your arms. The modern updates of the cap-sleeve style usually focus on mixing it with illusion necklines for an attractive finish. It looks extremely beautiful when attached to lace gowns.

In this couture wedding gown from the Jasmine collection, the cap sleeve design instantly adds sophistication and style to the design. Since it is done in Venice lace, it is very dainty and feminine, and the scalloped neckline formed of very fine lace appliques integrates with the sweetheart bodice in an elegant fashion. The neckline and sleeves perfectly complement the beautiful fit and flare design of the gown, and is suitable for both the modern bride and the tradition-loving girl.

8.Ball gown

One of the silhouettes that screams wedding is the traditional ball gown. While the original ball gowns were usually done in crispy or silky fabric, the current trend is to use netting and tulle or lace to create fantastic and dramatic silhouettes. The original design usually showcased a skirt with very little to no detailing, and all the embellishments were in the bodice. Designers these days however, spare no detail and the embellishments are seen in the skirts too. The result is dramatic and these gowns easily pack a punch.

This Mori Lee gown is a fine example of what we just discussed. The skirt almost has a 3D effect with the various floral appliques extending all over the bodice and again reappearing along the hemline. The muted color of the base fabric forms an attractive base for the beautiful motifs along the hemline. Adding more womanly appeal to the pattern is the softly sculpted sweetheart bodice that highlights a pair of well-toned arms and decolletage.

9.Plunging backs

Dresses with plunging backs were made for brides who are unable to expose their shoulders, collar bones or cleavage, but have that rebellious streak which makes them want to make one bold statement. Plunging backs are famous again, but this time in a range of options like never before. Those who deem it unfit to wear a low-cut back can still opt for the illusion style back detail dresses that allow them to conceal, yet reveal. With simple lace details or floral appliques forming beautiful pictures in the back, they are bound to enrapture everyone who glances at them from behind during the wedding ceremony. Low-cut plunging backs with embellishments bordering them are also a trending favorite, and these features create an exquisite statement for any wedding dress.

This Jasmine couture wedding gown is a beautiful and delicate work of lace which features an open V-neckline in the front and a deep cut neckline at the rear. The soft lace has an exquisite charm with its intricately woven details that span the entire length of the gown in pretty little clusters that are thicker in the front and thin out in the skirt. Perfect for a formal wedding ceremony, the deep-plunging back is the one striking element that gives this dress a signature finish. Few dresses have the elegance to strike a charismatic effect as this dress does. Alencon lace marries with tulle to form the fantastic details that makes this dress a dream to wear.

Wedding dress trends are a forever evolving scene, with some fashion trends staying longer than the others. Classic design details like those discussed above are the few features that are perpetual favorites. Of course, you may find the occasional bride who doesn’t want lace or can’t imagine dressing up in a full-sleeve wedding gown. But we should remember that these are rare. Most of the features listed here are those that will forever remain etched in our memories as timeless and hence, classic. The list doesn’t end here. As the years progress, more and more designers come up with even more interesting details from the past and breathe new life into them with their designs. So, as long as there will be weddings and those who love history, the classics will continue to be reinvented.

At Best for Bride we are well-stocked with all the designs you can imagine. These range from the attractive timeless classics above to the most modern and trendy designs you can imagine. Come visit our website and have a glimpse of what is on offer. You are certain to find at least a few gowns that you will fall in love with. So, if you are a bride planning to get married in the near future, head over to Best for Bride today. We have you covered with not only wedding dresses, but have everything that you will want for your special day.

About Olga Pomeransky

Olga is manager at Best for Bride since 2005. Currently Best for Bride operates 4 bridal stores in Canada (Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton and Barrie). Best for Bride sells wedding, bridesmaids, mob dresses and more. http://www.BestForBride.com